November 17, 2002
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Solid three stars for a solid production. Loses some value as an adaptation by going for plot and visual faithfulness at the expense of tougher themes that make the books valuable adolescent literature.
As with Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone, the children seem more awestruck than disturbed during key scenes. The books convey adolescent akwardness and self-discovery. The movies render that into "Wizard Country Wild Safari Tours."